WASHINGTON – A historic veto showdown assured, Democratic leaders agreed Monday on legislation that requires the first U.S. combat troops to be withdrawn from Iraq by Oct. 1 with a goal of a complete pullout six months later.
“Our commitment is not endless,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who said the legislation “sets us on a path with the best chance of achieving success in Iraq.”
Bush, confident of enough votes against the measure to sustain his veto, was unambiguous in his response to the Democrats.
“I will strongly reject an artificial timetable (for) withdrawal and/or Washington politicians trying to tell those who wear the uniform how to do their job,” he said.
Congressional negotiators for the House and Senate met in late afternoon and ratified the details of the legislation. Republicans voiced opposition, but made no attempt to delay or even seek changes. “We all know this bill is going nowhere fast,” said Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., referring to the veto threat.
Democratic aides said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Reid hope to clear the measure through both houses by Thursday or Friday and send it to Bush for his expected veto.
The legislation:
* Funds more than $90 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
* Begins withdrawal of troops from Iraq on Oct. 1, with the goal of ending combat by April 1, 2008.
* Requires troop withdrawal to begin July 1 if President Bush cannot certify that the Iraqi government is making progress in disarming militias, reducing sectarian violence and forging political agreements.
* Restricts foreign aid spending in Iraq if benchmarks are not met.
* Allows Bush to keep troops in Iraq after the withdrawal date to conduct counterterrorism missions, protect U.S. infrastructure and personnel and train Iraqi security forces.
* Bars deployment of troops not deemed “fully mission capable” and limits combat tours to one year for Army units and seven months for Marines. Allows president to waive these restrictions.
* Adds more than $20 billion not requested by Bush for medical care for troops and veterans, aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, farm disaster relief and other programs.
* Raises the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour. Includes $4.8 billion in tax cuts for small businesses over 10 years.
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